The F/A-18 Super Hornet is the Navy’s carrier-based strike fighter and the jet of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. You will also see fleet Super Hornets in tactical demonstrations at Navy and Marine Corps base shows such as Oceana and Miramar. The “F/A” means it is built both as a fighter and as an attack aircraft.
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet at a glance
| Role | Carrier-based multirole strike fighter |
|---|---|
| Engines | Two General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofans |
| Thrust | About 22,000 lb static thrust per engine |
| Top speed | Mach 1.8+ |
| Wingspan | 44.9 ft (13.68 m) |
| Length | 60.3 ft (18.5 m) |
| Ceiling | 50,000+ ft |
| Versions | E: one seat. F: two seats. |
Sources: U.S. Navy fact file “F/A-18A-D Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Strike Fighter” (navy.mil) and NAVAIR (top speed).
How the Blue Angels’ Super Hornets differ
- The team flew its first season in the Super Hornet in 2021, after decades in the older, smaller “legacy” Hornet. The Super Hornet is about a quarter larger.
- According to the team, the show jets have the nose cannon removed and a tank for smoke oil added. Otherwise they match fleet aircraft and, the team says, could go back to fleet service within about 72 hours.
Watch the display
More clips in our aerobatics video gallery.
Where to see the Super Hornet in 2027
13MARConfirmedUnited StatesNAF El Centro Festival of Flight 2027Naval Air Facility El CentroFree entryBlue AngelsView show details
20–21MARConfirmedUnited StatesCalifornia Capital Air Show 2027Sacramento, CABlue AngelsView show details
03–04APRConfirmedUnited StatesMCAS Beaufort Air Show 2027Marine Corps Air Station BeaufortFree entryBlue AngelsView show details
06–11APRConfirmedUnited StatesSun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo 2027Lakeland, FLBlue AngelsView show details
17–18APRConfirmedUnited StatesThunder Over Georgia Air Show 2027Robins Air Force BaseFree entryBlue AngelsView show details
24–25APRConfirmedUnited StatesWings Over Cowtown Air Show 2027Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort WorthFree entryBlue AngelsView show details
All 32 upcoming Blue Angels shows
The full season is on the Blue Angels team page. Our guide where to see the Blue Angels in 2027 sorts the shows by region.
Blue Angels vs Thunderbirds compares the two big jet teams side by side.
Sources
- U.S. Navy fact file: F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet
- NAVAIR: F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
- U.S. Navy Blue Angels: frequently asked questions (PDF)
- U.S. Navy Blue Angels: history
Specifications from the official fact sheets linked below, which are U.S. government works. Researched from those pages, not measured by us. Checked November 9, 2026.
Worth bringing
- Hearing protection Fast jets are very loud, especially for children. Ear defenders or foam plugs make the day much nicer.
- Sun protection Airfields have little shade: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
- Folding chair or blanket You may stand or sit for hours. Check the show rules first – some sites limit chairs near the crowd line.
Check each show’s own rules for allowed items. Full list: what to bring to an airshow.